Growing up on a farm in a farming community in rural south central Ohio had and continues to have a significant impact on my life. While I’ve been removed from living in the region for nearly 20 years, the lasting meaning the first 24 years of my life living in the heartland had on my life both ground me and drive me daily.

I don’t talk about it much but the evidence is around me if you look in a variety of much. Most people are shocked when they learn this is a significant part of my story.

Both my home and work offices have a lot of green – John Deere green, specifically. Toy tractors, mostly from my childhood – gifts from my paternal grandfather. Reflecting on the significance my family farm had on me growing up and continues to have today.

From a young age I knew I enjoyed agricultural community but I loved education. I was at a crossroads around middle school – my like (agriculture) or my love (public education) so from third generation in farming I chose third generation education from that point and never looked back.

Life lessons were learned from a young age. Responsibility – so much responsibility. Caring for cattle, hogs, time sensitivity during the planting and harvesting seasons especially, machinery and storage upkeep – early to bed, early to rise, the list goes on. Fiscal and physical responsibility in all areas, punctuality and overall drive stick with me daily all stemming from the foundation rooted in my 24 years in the midwest. So many life lessons gained.

The Raleigh area has proudly been my home for nearly 20 years. I love the entire Triangle region and am deeply rooted in as well as invested in the greater community both in and outside of my work within our school and district. I also enjoy the fast pace of a large metro area – far different from what I grew up with but the life and leadership skills gained have been priceless.

The family farm is still in operation and provides a great place for reflection, peace and calm for me whenever I find myself back in Ohio for alumni events at my beloved Wilmington College nearby.

So many of these overall skills – prioritization, connecting with people, goals, aspirations and most of all overall drive both short and long term stem from my my background. Grateful.